Embark on an enriching academic journey with the Comparative Business Economics MA at University College London (UCL), based in the vibrant Bloomsbury campus. This master’s program is meticulously designed for students keen on delving into the intricacies of company-level economics within a global context, with a particular focus on the European economic landscape.
This program, commencing in 2025, offers a unique opportunity to investigate crucial aspects of the modern business world. You will critically analyze the multifaceted role of multinational corporations, explore the complexities of corporate governance and finance, assess the impacts of privatization, and understand the dynamics of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the MA program provides a robust framework to examine the key determinants of innovation and technological advancements within the European economic sphere.
| UK students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Study mode | ||
| Duration | 1 calendar year | 2 calendar years |
| Programme starts | September 2025 | September 2025 |
| Applications accepted | Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025 Applications close at 5pm UK time Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025 Applications close at 5pm UK time |
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025 Applications close at 5pm UK time Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025 Applications close at 5pm UK time |
| UK tuition fees (2025/26) | £24,100 | £12,050 |
| Overseas tuition fees (2025/26) | £36,500 | £18,250 |
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for the Comparative Business Economics MA program, applicants must hold a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline. A strong foundation in economics is essential; therefore, it is generally expected that candidates will have completed coursework in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods or statistics during their undergraduate studies.
Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree outside of the UK are required to submit either a GMAT or GRE score as part of their application. While there is no stipulated minimum score, these scores are considered as part of a holistic assessment of your application.
The English language proficiency requirement for this program is Level 3.
For international students seeking to enhance their academic English and skills prior to commencing the MA program, UCL offers Pre-Master’s and Pre-sessional English courses. Further details regarding English language requirements can be found on the UCL English language requirements page.
Equivalent Qualifications
Prospective international students can find country-specific information and determine the equivalent qualification for their country by visiting the International Students website. It is important to note that the equivalency corresponds to the broad UK degree classification mentioned (upper second-class). For qualifications requiring a specific overall percentage in the UK, the international equivalent may be higher. For further clarification, please contact Graduate Admissions.
About This Degree
Our Comparative Business Economics MA program at UCL offers a rigorous, discipline-based education combined with practical applications. It leverages the unique experiences of the 28 nations that have emerged from the former Soviet bloc across Europe and Asia, providing a distinctive lens through which to study business and economics. You will develop a robust understanding of international business and economics, alongside specialized knowledge in finance and corporate governance.
Detailed information on the program structure and modules is available in the Programme Handbook.
Who Is This Course For?
This program is ideally suited for graduates with a solid background in economics who are aiming to cultivate advanced skills for further academic research, pursue careers in international business, work within European and national government institutions, or launch their own entrepreneurial ventures. A demonstrable proficiency in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and quantitative methods at the undergraduate level is expected.
Read about what it takes to study for a Master’s at UCL
What This Course Will Give You
The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) stands as a leading national center in the UK for the study of Central, Eastern, and South-East Europe, and Russia. Studying within SSEES provides access to a wealth of resources and expertise.
SSEES hosts several research centers and seminar series, enriching your academic experience. These include the Economics and Business Seminar Series and CNET (the Centre for New Economic Transitions). The school regularly attracts influential speakers through its public events, offering invaluable insights into contemporary economic and business issues.
UCL’s prime central London location, coupled with SSEES’s specialist library, creates an optimal research environment. Furthermore, strong connections with employers, policymakers, embassies, and alumni provide exceptional networking and career development opportunities.
Read about what you’ll get out of a graduate programme
The Foundation of Your Career
The Comparative Business Economics MA program is designed to pave the way for advanced research pursuits and diverse career paths in international business, governmental organizations, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum is enhanced by a series of topical events and research seminars, ensuring you remain at the forefront of current economic and business trends.
Employability
Graduates from SSEES are highly sought after across a range of sectors, leveraging their specialist knowledge and language skills. Career destinations include business, finance, media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organizations, law, and academia. The Comparative Economics focus of the MA is particularly valuable in roles requiring a nuanced understanding of diverse economic systems.
Networking
SSEES fosters strong relationships with numerous prestigious institutions in London, such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), Roubini Global Economics, and NGOs like Health Prom and Amnesty International through the BEARR Trust. Links with Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) and the European Commission further enhance the networking landscape. SSEES also actively engages with London embassies of the region, frequently co-hosting events and lectures featuring prominent international figures relevant to the program’s areas of interest.
Teaching and Learning
The Comparative Business Economics MA program employs a blended learning approach, incorporating lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent study. The final term is dedicated to revision sessions and the dissertation project, allowing for focused research and writing.
A standard 15-credit module corresponds to 150 hours of study, and a 30-credit module to 300 hours. These figures encompass contact time, independent study, and coursework assignments.
Teaching methods include lectures, interactive seminars, workshops, film viewings, tutorials, and specialized language courses, depending on module selections. Assessment is varied, utilizing unseen examinations, extended essays, coursework, and a research dissertation.
For full-time students, approximately 20-25 hours of independent study per week are recommended. Contact hours may differ based on module choices but generally average around 8-10 hours per week during term time, comprising lectures and seminars.
Part-time students typically have 4-6 contact hours per week, spread over 2-3 days, with a recommended 10-12 hours of independent study weekly.
Students taking language modules may have additional contact hours. Teaching is minimal during Term 3, as the focus shifts to dissertation work and final assessments.
Modules
The MA program requires the completion of 180 credits, with 120 credits from taught courses.
The curriculum includes compulsory methods modules, a core module in the Political Economy of International Business, at least one module from a selection of core policy papers, and elective modules chosen from a diverse list.
A significant component is a 60-credit dissertation and a 0-credit Dissertation Preparation Module.
Further details regarding the program structure and specific modules are available in the Programme Handbook.
The MA in Comparative Business Economics can also be pursued part-time over two years, requiring 180 credits.
In Year 1 (part-time), students complete compulsory methods modules, the Political Economy of International Business module, and select from core modules.
Year 2 (part-time) involves optional modules to deepen understanding and build upon Year 1 concepts. Dissertation outline and structure development continues with supervisor support. The summer of Year 2 is devoted to researching and writing the 12,000-word dissertation, with the topic finalized in consultation with the supervisor.
Compulsory Modules
- Political Economy of International Business
- Quantitative Methods
- Advanced Quantitative Methods
- M.A. Dissertation
- SSEES MA Dissertation Preparation
Optional Modules
- Corporate Finance and Investment in Emerging Markets
- Financial Development
- The Economics of Property Rights
- Intermediate Language: Ukrainian
- New Language: Czech
- New Language: Finnish
- New Language: Polish
- New Language: Slovene
- New Language: Ukrainian
- New Language: Estonian
- New Language: Russian
- Trade and FDI Policy with Reference to Eastern Europe
- Public Choice – Private Interest
- Qualitative Methods
- Inequality Dynamics in Modern Capitalism
Please note: Module lists are indicative and subject to change. Current academic year module information is linked where available.
Successful completion of 180 credits leads to the award of an MA in Comparative Business Economics.
Accessibility
Accessibility details for UCL buildings are available through AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
Fees and Funding
Fees for This Course
| Fee description | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2025/26) UK students | £24,100 | £12,050 |
| Tuition fees (2025/26) International students | £36,500 | £18,250 |
Tuition fees are for the stated academic year and may increase in subsequent years. For flexible/modular programs, fees are pro-rata to the full-time Master’s fee per academic session. Detailed fee information, including fee status, increases, and schedules, is available on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Additional Costs
Full-time and part-time offer holders are required to pay a fee deposit of 10% of the first year’s tuition fee. Further details are available in the Tuition fee deposits section on the Tuition fees page.
Additional expenses may include books, stationery, printing, photocopying, conference fees, and associated travel. The department aims to minimize these costs. Library resources, both physical and electronic, are readily available.
London living costs, especially travel, should be considered. UCL’s main campuses are in zones 1 and 2/3. A monthly travel card for zones 1-2 is approximately £114.50 (2024 TfL price). For a comprehensive estimate of essential expenditure in London, please consult UCL’s cost of living guide.
Funding Your Studies
UCL offers a wide array of funding opportunities. For a comprehensive list, including scholarships relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
See all the ways you can fund your studies
Next Steps
Due to high demand, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, especially those seeking scholarship funding.
A £90 application processing fee applies for online applications. More information is available at Application fees.
When assessing applications, we look for candidates who can articulate:
- Their motivations for studying Comparative Business Economics at the graduate level.
- Reasons for choosing UCL for this program specifically.
- Specific aspects of the program that are particularly appealing.
- How their academic, personal, and professional experiences align with the program’s demands and international environment.
- Their career aspirations post-graduation.
The personal statement is a crucial opportunity to demonstrate program suitability and alignment with your goals, complementing essential academic qualifications.
Applicants may apply for a maximum of two graduate programs (or one Law LLM application) per application cycle.
Only one reference is required, preferably academic, unless you have been out of university for over four years. Reference guidelines can be found on the Selecting your references page.
Choose Your Programme
Before applying, please review the Application Guidance.
Got Questions? Get in Touch
SSEES – School of Slavonic and East European Studies
SSEES – School of Slavonic and East European Studies
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